Follow #FRAustin for the news at next week's fest

The Austin Food & Wine Festival returns April 25th-27th with a full schedule of chef tastings, classes (think Tim Love + 100 smoking grills) and an event called Rock Your Taco, which we had a great time at last year. There is all sorts of information available at: austinfoodandwinefestival.com. But like all food events on this planet, tickets are limited and will most certainly sell out.

And for the third year running, Team Food Republic is heading to Austin to interview chefs and food personalities at the W Austin all day on Friday, April 25th. We’ll also feature comedians in town to perform at the Moontower Comedy Festival, which also hits Austin next week (Lounge guests featured below are Joe Mande and Andy Kindler). And we’ll be partying with the W Austin Saturday night, April 26, starting at 9:30pm, for Cirque Du Trace, a late-night evening of “upscale circus bites under the big top,” from Trace chef Lawrence Kocurek. Tickets are $40.

Here is our complete schedule for the Food Republic Interview Lounge, which is subject to change. And if you’ll be in Austin, you’re invited to be part of the intimate audience, to witness these star chefs and comedians talking about food, drink and more with FR editor Richard Martin. It’s not only free, but the team from Trace will offer up tasty snacks and beverages throughout the day. Come check it out!